I think the folks posting these types of comments need to re-read the OP.

It seems to me OP is very smart with their money and was asking for advice on what to do.

They had an auto accident. They gave the options they were provided, and asked advice on each one.

That’s smart. Not unstable.

Unstable would be “I got in an accident and I know my premiums insurance are going to go up but should I buy a Range Rover or the new Tahoe? And will they take $500 down so I can use the rest of the payout from my totaled car to get my partner a ring?” OP was total opposite of that analogy.

Smart people wouldn’t go out and buy a brand new car right now. Unless maybe you’re raking in the type of money where you can live in this economy and save up $50k for a basic new SUV or crossover vehicle. Paying cash, of course.